223 Brass
- Thread starter Zonkers
- Start date
Zonkers, I was just talking with a person at the range yesterday that is pretty much in the same position as you, only real difference being he has two rifles to load for.
You definitely horde your brass as it doesn't take up much space and doesn't spoil.
My next suggestion would be that if you are seriously even remotely thinking about starting to reload, then think of it as a second hobby and not a means to an end.
There are many ways to get started and none right or wrong. Though what I suggest to people in your position, start small, start smart, start used. Reason for that being the numbers of people that start, only to quit soon after. Why? Many reasons. They find they do not have the time, the interest, or just not obtaining the results they were looking to achieve.
For what you are looking to do with just one rifle. I would begin by looking for a good used single stage press. Most are over built and nearly impossible to wear out, especially on a 223. An old RCBS JR press works very well with the 223 as would any other "O"type press. Even some of the newer "C" type presses are very well built.
Reloading dies, New or used. I use Lee dies and they are more than adequate and are inexpensive. Next would be a scale, I again suggest a used Ohaus model beam scale, such as a RCBS 5-0-5, Lyman D5. Then either powder dippers or a used powder measure along with a powder trickler. Lastly, a decent caliper. Either a Dial or a Digital. A manual to read with load data.
That is really all one needs to get started at a bare minimum. All the other stuff can be added as needed or as you just continue along.
Good luck and let us know what you decide and don't be afraid to ask questions.
You definitely horde your brass as it doesn't take up much space and doesn't spoil.
My next suggestion would be that if you are seriously even remotely thinking about starting to reload, then think of it as a second hobby and not a means to an end.
There are many ways to get started and none right or wrong. Though what I suggest to people in your position, start small, start smart, start used. Reason for that being the numbers of people that start, only to quit soon after. Why? Many reasons. They find they do not have the time, the interest, or just not obtaining the results they were looking to achieve.
For what you are looking to do with just one rifle. I would begin by looking for a good used single stage press. Most are over built and nearly impossible to wear out, especially on a 223. An old RCBS JR press works very well with the 223 as would any other "O"type press. Even some of the newer "C" type presses are very well built.
Reloading dies, New or used. I use Lee dies and they are more than adequate and are inexpensive. Next would be a scale, I again suggest a used Ohaus model beam scale, such as a RCBS 5-0-5, Lyman D5. Then either powder dippers or a used powder measure along with a powder trickler. Lastly, a decent caliper. Either a Dial or a Digital. A manual to read with load data.
That is really all one needs to get started at a bare minimum. All the other stuff can be added as needed or as you just continue along.
Good luck and let us know what you decide and don't be afraid to ask questions.
charlie b
Gold $$ Contributor
If I were getting started in precision rifle I'd do things differently. To be fair I loaded for pistols and rifles a long time so I had several presses over the years, mainly Lee stuff, that did the job I wanted. Keep in mind I do not compete and am not a rated shooter.
I'd start with a RCBS Partner press or similar. A simple powder measure (like a Lee) or a set of dippers. Trickle charges. Decent beam scales. I use a ram prime on the press these days, but, I used a hand primer for decades.
Dies are the big choice. Lee's are inexpensive and work fairly well. I used them for many years. The seat die needs some tweaking. The collet neck size die works as an inexpensive mandrel die. But...I like my Redding FL bushing size die and competition seat die. Not cheap. And, yes, even I can see a difference on target between the Lee and Redding dies. Not a lot (a tenth or two), but, it is there. When you get below 1/2MOA a lot of things start to become 'important'.
Case prep is another area you can start less expensive and work up. Look at the advice listed above.
I'd start with a RCBS Partner press or similar. A simple powder measure (like a Lee) or a set of dippers. Trickle charges. Decent beam scales. I use a ram prime on the press these days, but, I used a hand primer for decades.
Dies are the big choice. Lee's are inexpensive and work fairly well. I used them for many years. The seat die needs some tweaking. The collet neck size die works as an inexpensive mandrel die. But...I like my Redding FL bushing size die and competition seat die. Not cheap. And, yes, even I can see a difference on target between the Lee and Redding dies. Not a lot (a tenth or two), but, it is there. When you get below 1/2MOA a lot of things start to become 'important'.
Case prep is another area you can start less expensive and work up. Look at the advice listed above.
TheOtherZilla
Pull my finger
I have a 5 gallon bucket full. and more. Can't help myself. I see a butt ton of fired brass at the range and no matter how hard I try i have to pick it up. I carry a couple of gallon zip lock bags in my range bag just for this. WIll I ever use it? Maybe. I keep thinking if things go sideways in this country ... Well you know, the thing.
I do pull LC brass out for the 20P.
I do pull LC brass out for the 20P.
jds holler
Gold $$ Contributor
I think we should start a "223 Brass Swap Thread". In the interests of getting the right brass into the right hands.
For instance I'll trade 500 mixed brand brass for 200 PMC. Or I'll trade 300 Federal for 300 Rem.
I"d love to whittle my 100 lb box of mixed brass down to twenty pounds of one brand. jd
For instance I'll trade 500 mixed brand brass for 200 PMC. Or I'll trade 300 Federal for 300 Rem.
I"d love to whittle my 100 lb box of mixed brass down to twenty pounds of one brand. jd
JSH
Gold $$ Contributor
I picked up brass for years and years. Probably gave away more than I used. Had about 25 gallons of 38 special. Kept some and sold the rest, put those funds towards new virgin, mostly Starline. I spent a LOT of time saving little with mediocre results.
All same brass, groups are better and no feeding issues or primer pocket problems.
All same brass, groups are better and no feeding issues or primer pocket problems.
Upgrades & Donations
This Forum's expenses are primarily paid by member contributions. You can upgrade your Forum membership in seconds. Gold and Silver members get unlimited FREE classifieds for one year. Gold members can upload custom avatars.
Click Upgrade Membership Button ABOVE to get Gold or Silver Status.
You can also donate any amount, large or small, with the button below. Include your Forum Name in the PayPal Notes field.
To DONATE by CHECK, or make a recurring donation, CLICK HERE to learn how.
Click Upgrade Membership Button ABOVE to get Gold or Silver Status.
You can also donate any amount, large or small, with the button below. Include your Forum Name in the PayPal Notes field.
To DONATE by CHECK, or make a recurring donation, CLICK HERE to learn how.